An independent Judicial and Disputes committee appointed by World Rugby has ruled that Russia will join Ireland's Rugby World Cup 2019 pool, following the fielding of ineligible players by Belgium, Spain and Romania in the Rugby Europe Championships.

Ireland lost out on the bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023 with France emerging as the winner. The Ireland RWC 2023 Bid team have expressed their disappointment with the result and congratulated France on their victory.

They may have left the island but they've never really left Ireland behind. The Irish diaspora of 70 million people around the world are ready to 'arise and go now', ready for the world, ready for a tournament like no other. Bob Geldof reads from 'The Lake Isle At Innisfree' by WB Yeats.

Four of our stadiums through the eyes of four Irish sporting legends. O'Driscoll on Aviva Stadium, Brogan on Croke Park, Matthews on Kingspan Stadium and O'Connell on Thomond Park. The world is invited #Ireland2023.

We're ready to create something legendary. A showcase for rugby nations old and new. A tournament that will grow the game globally, promote the values, spirit and ethos of rugby and will capture the world's imagination. #Ireland2023 - Liam Neeson gives voice to Ireland's bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023.

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have announced Andy Friend as the province's new head coach. Friend has signed a three-year contract and will arrive in the Sportsground in late June to oversee pre-season training for the 2018/19 season.

Lucozade Sport is excited to kick off new 'Made To Move' summer fitness goals around the country with 'Lucozade Sport Touch Fit'. This joint initiative by the IRFU and Lucozade Sport brings people of all fitness levels together for a series of unique and exciting full body workouts.

Bundee Aki will miss out on captaining the Barbarians against England at Twickenham this Sunday after rolling his ankle in training. He is expected to be fit for Ireland's summer tour opener against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday, June 9.

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have announced Andy Friend as the province's new head coach. Friend has signed a three-year contract and will arrive in the Sportsground in late June to oversee pre-season training for the 2018/19 season.

Bundee Aki will miss out on captaining the Barbarians against England at Twickenham this Sunday after rolling his ankle in training. He is expected to be fit for Ireland's summer tour opener against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday, June 9.

South African international referee Stuart Berry will lead a team of neutral match officials for the GUINNESS PRO14 final this Saturday when Leinster and defending champions, tthe Scarlets, meet at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off 6pm).

Following Munster's 16-15 defeat to Leinster in Saturday's GUINNESS PRO14 semi-final, Jack O'Donoghue and JJ Hanrahan have both been assessed for the first half injuries that forced them to be replaced.

Lucozade Sport is excited to kick off new 'Made To Move' summer fitness goals around the country with 'Lucozade Sport Touch Fit'. This joint initiative by the IRFU and Lucozade Sport brings people of all fitness levels together for a series of unique and exciting full body workouts.

Normally home to some of the giants of Irish sport, the Aviva Stadium played host to some slightly smaller rugby stars last Saturday as 400 boys and girls descended on Dublin to play in the Aviva National Mini Rugby Festival.

The stars of the Ulster Bank League were honoured at the annual awards held in Aviva Stadium tonight. Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt presented the awards in 16 categories, including the all new #UBLTry of the Year.

Ireland skills and kicking coach Richie Murphy spoke to Irish Rugby TV about Dan Biggar, Liam Williams and Leigh Halfpenny and the attacking threats they will pose for Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 2.15pm).